How long does it take to sell a company?

Planning, around one month

The process starts with your objectives: what you want to sell, what you want to receive and what role you want afterwards. This stage also covers a first valuation view, the structure options and a list of buyers worth approaching.

Preparation, months 1–3

We prepare the materials buyers will rely on: a financial model, an anonymous teaser and an information memorandum describing the business. If the numbers are complex, vendor due diligence can help buyers move faster and help protect the price.

Gaps found at this stage, such as missing contracts or unclear related-party arrangements, are far cheaper to fix now than in front of a buyer.

Buyer outreach, months 3–6

Selected buyers receive the teaser. We share the information memorandum after they sign a confidentiality agreement. Interested buyers submit indicative offers. Shortlisted buyers get access to the data room, meet management and visit sites before submitting firmer offers.

Negotiation, months 6–9

Compare offers on price, structure and certainty of closing. The preferred buyer completes confirmatory due diligence while lawyers negotiate the share purchase agreement, including warranties, price adjustments and conditions.

Closing, months 9–12

Some deals need approvals after signing, such as merger clearance from the Competition Council or foreign investment clearance. Completion accounts adjust the price using figures at closing. A locked box sets the price using accounts as of an agreed historical date.

What affects the timetable

• Faster. Up-to-date monthly accounts, organised contracts, a management team ready to answer buyers and shareholders who agree on what they want.
• Slower. Shareholder disputes, tax or legal issues discovered late, a single buyer with no competition, or unexpected approvals.

Timing is indicative. A well-run sale process gives you time to keep the business performing. A weak quarter during negotiations may give the buyer grounds to seek a lower price.